We are interested in how the nervous system learns from experience in dynamic environments. We trained mice on a dynamic foraging task, in which they freely chose between two alternatives that delivered reward with changing probabilities. We found that serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe represented a quantity related to reward uncertainty over long timescales (tens of seconds), consistent with a modulatory signal used to adjust learning rates of ongoing decision variables in frontal cortex. In locus coeruleus, we found two types of norepinephrine neuron, including one that provided a reward prediction error for cortex. Our results provide quantitative links between activity of two key neuromodulators--serotonin and norepinephrine--and dynamic behavior.

www.jeremiahcohen.com

ION Holiday Party Catered by Bill & Tim’s BBQ. Games and outdoor heating provided by Parties to Go. Beer/wine will be served.

Knight Campus is doing a canned food drive.  Please bring 2 or more cans of food for the drive.  The universe will thank you. - David McCormick

15 minute talks begin at 10am with Sara Jones - Doe Lab, Nathan Anderson - Doe Lab, Ananya Kapoor - Murray Lab, and Dominique Granville - Zeithamova Lab.  After a short break they will resume at 11:15am with Rose Hulsey-Vincent - Marneweck Lab, George Vengrovski - Gardner Lab, and Danny Brown - Niell Lab concluding at 12pm.